Reps to probe sale of OML 30 to Heritage Oil

By Robert Obi

Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to institute a thorough probe into the sale of Oil Mining Licence, OML 30 to an alleged questionable oil exploring company.
The job of the investigation was at the Tuesday plenary handed over to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream sector.
The decision to probe the sale of the OML 30 was a fallout of a motion raised under matters of Urgent National Importance by Yusuf Tajudeen, representing Kabba -Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
Yusuf in moving the motion had stated that “sometime in November 2012, OML 30 located in the western Niger Delta area was sold to Heritage , a company managed by a British National. ”
He however noted that”the sale of OML 30 did not factor in the right of Nigerians to know how their commonwealth is managed.”
Condemning the transaction, he said “the sale of OML 30 to Heritage Oil, a company, whose Chief Executive antecedent is allegedly unsavory is highy disturbing. ”
“The past activities of the British boss owner of Heritage Oil led to prolonged militia operations and political instability in Angola and Equitorial Guinea.”

“Nigeria’s involvement with a company owned by an individual whose shadowy business ethics is recognised all over the world will raise doubts about t’he country’s quest for growth and development. ”
“When Heritage Oil commence operations commences, given the alleged mercenary credential of its Chief Executive, may throw up security threat in the Niger Delta.”
Yusuf also warned that this development “will have adverse effect on Nigeria’s revenue, economy, infrastructural and technical development.”
Speaker Aminu Tambuwal in his ruling on the motion said “the motion was a straight one and does not require further debate.”
It was subsequently referred to the Committee for further legislative duties. The committee was mandated to report to the House within 3 weeks.
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